Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

Upscale Insightslock Consulting uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website (upscaleinsightslockconsulting.com). This Cookie Policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and POPIA Privacy Notice.

2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

2.1 Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They contain information about your browsing session and preferences.

2.2 Similar Technologies

We may also use similar tracking technologies including:

• Web Beacons: Small graphic images embedded in web pages or emails to track user behavior
• Pixels: Tiny, invisible images used to collect information about your visit
• Local Storage: Technology that allows websites to store data locally on your browser
• Session Storage: Temporary storage that expires when you close your browser
• SDKs: Software development kits that may collect usage data in mobile applications

3. Types of Cookies We Use

4. Specific Cookies We Use

Below is a detailed list of the main cookies used on our website:

Note: This list is indicative and may be updated as we add or remove services. For the most current list, please check your browser’s cookie settings when visiting our site.

5. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several important purposes:

5.1 Essential Website Operation

• Enabling secure login and authentication
• Maintaining your session as you navigate the site
• Remembering form inputs and preferences
• Detecting and preventing security threats
• Load balancing for optimal performance

5.2 Improving User Experience

• Remembering your language and region preferences
• Personalizing content based on your interests
• Avoiding repetitive information requests
• Providing relevant recommendations

5.3 Analytics and Performance

• Understanding how visitors use our website
• Identifying popular content and pages
• Detecting errors and technical issues
• Testing new features and improvements
• Measuring website performance and speed

5.4 Marketing and Communication

• Delivering relevant advertisements
• Measuring effectiveness of marketing campaigns
• Understanding customer journey and conversion paths
• Retargeting website visitors with relevant content
• Tracking referrals from partners and affiliates

6. First-Party vs Third-Party Cookies

6.1 First-Party Cookies

Set directly by our website (upscaleinsightslockconsulting.com):

• Controlled and managed by us
• Used for essential functions and analytics
• Data stays within our control
• Examples: Session cookies, preference settings

6.2 Third-Party Cookies

Set by external services and platforms we use:

• Controlled by third-party providers
• Subject to their respective privacy policies
• Used for analytics, advertising, and social media
• Examples: Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag

7. Cookie Duration

7.1 Session Cookies

Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser:

• Used for essential website functionality
• Do not collect personal information
• Automatically deleted after your session ends

7.2 Persistent Cookies

Remain on your device for a set period or until deleted:

• Remember your preferences across visits
• Improve website performance and user experience
• Duration varies from days to years depending on purpose
• Can be deleted manually through browser settings

8. Your Cookie Choices

8.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you’ll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your preferences by cookie category
• Learn more about our cookie practices

8.2 Managing Cookie Preferences

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in our website footer
• Adjusting your browser settings (see below)
• Opting out of specific third-party cookies
• Contacting us at legal@upscaleinsightslockconsulting.com

9. Browser Cookie Controls

Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. Here’s how to control cookies in popular browsers:

9.1 Browser Options

Most browsers allow you to:

• Block all cookies
• Accept only first-party cookies
• Delete cookies after each browsing session
• Receive a notification before accepting cookies
• View and delete individual cookies

9.2 Private/Incognito Browsing

Most browsers offer private browsing modes that:

• Don’t save browsing history
• Delete cookies after you close the browser
• Don’t save form data or search history
• May still allow essential cookies for website functionality

10. Opting Out of Third-Party Cookies

10.1 Advertising Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of targeted advertising through these services:

• Network Advertising Initiative: networkadvertising.org/choices
• Digital Advertising Alliance: aboutads.info/choices
• European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance: youronlinechoices.eu

10.2 Google Analytics Opt-Out

Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on:

• Download from: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
• Available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Edge
• Prevents your data from being used by Google Analytics

10.3 Social Media Controls

Control how social media platforms track you:

• Facebook: Settings → Ads → Ad Settings
• LinkedIn: Settings → Account Preferences → Advertising Data
• Twitter: Settings → Privacy and Safety → Personalization and Data

11. Mobile Device Controls

11.1 iOS Devices

• Settings → Safari → Privacy & Security
• Enable “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking”
• Choose “Block All Cookies” if desired
• Settings → Privacy → Advertising → Limit Ad Tracking

11.2 Android Devices

• Settings → Google → Ads
• Opt out of Ads Personalization
• Chrome browser: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies

12. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals

Some browsers support “Do Not Track” (DNT) signals. Currently:

• There is no universally accepted standard for DNT signals
• Our website does not respond to DNT browser settings
• We respect explicit cookie preferences made through our cookie banner
• We will update this policy if DNT standards are adopted

13. Cookies and POPIA Compliance

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), we:

• Obtain consent before placing non-essential cookies
• Provide clear information about cookie purposes
• Allow you to withdraw consent at any time
• Implement appropriate security measures for cookie data
• Only retain cookie data as long as necessary
• Respect your rights regarding personal information in cookies

14. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• Changes in cookie technologies and practices
• New cookies or tracking technologies implemented
• Changes in legal or regulatory requirements
• Updates to third-party services we use

When we make material changes:

• We will update the “Effective Date” at the top
• We will notify you via a prominent notice on our website
• You may be asked to review and accept updated preferences

15. Questions and Contact Information

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

16. Related Policies

For comprehensive information about how we handle your data, please also review:

• Privacy Policy: Our general privacy practices and data handling
• POPIA Privacy Notice: Detailed information about POPIA compliance
• Terms and Conditions: Terms of use for our website and services